The Europa League winners are in the market for a defender to plug the hole left by the departure of Alvaro Dominguez to Borussia Monchengladbach, and have reportedly earmarked the Portugal international as a primary target.

Assuring that his son would not attempt to force a transfer away from the Russian champions, Washington Alves has nevertheless left the door open for a move to La Liga this summer.

"Bruno will have no problem going to Atletico Madrid, but there must first be an agreement in place," Alves senior told AS.

"We know there are teams interested, but he is not about to put pressure on Zenit; Bruno respects the major outlay the club paid to bring him from Portugal in the first place.

"That said, La Liga is a place that he will do very well. Bruno packs a great shot, a tremendous presence in the air, technique, authority and experience together at the same time."

Atleti are the latest club to have joined the queue to sign Alves, who has been linked to Italian champions Juventus as well as a return to former side Porto during the close season.